Locking cover plate arrangement

ABSTRACT

A locking cover plate can be selectively locked in position on a stortz pipe end fitting or can be unlocked and removed for access to the open pipe end. The cover plate includes a sliding plate that is driven laterally outward into a deployed state by rotating a drive bolt. The drive bolt is coupled to the sliding plate through a torque limiting coupling that transfers the rotation of the drive bolt to translating movement of the latch bar with a cam plate. Movement of the sliding plate is indicated through a front of the cover plate such that the user can identify whether the cover plate is locked on a fitting or simply placed on the fitting without the lock engaged.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/151,794, filed Jun. 14, 2005, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/745,386, filed Dec. 23, 2003 and issued as U.S.Pat. No. 6,907,760 on Jun. 21, 2005, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/307,762, filed Dec. 2, 2002, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/651,753, filed Aug.30, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,553,795, which claims priority from U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/151,403, filed on Aug. 30, 1999, which ishereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to locking cover plates for openends of plumbing components. More specifically, the present inventionrelates to protective locking cover plates for fire retardant sprinklersystems having a stortz-type coupling arrangement.

2. Related Art

In fire retardant automatic sprinkler systems having multiple sprinklerheads, the standing water supply often is insufficient to maintainoptimum operating water pressure when there are several sprinkler headsin simultaneous use. Accordingly, the National Fire ProtectionAssociation Code requires a connection, such as a stand pipe connection,through which a fire department can pump water into the sprinklersystem. The pumped water is used to charge or recharge the sprinklersystem as desired.

Where such stand pipe connections are provided, upon arrival of firedepartment personnel, an auxiliary source of water such as a hosesupplied with water from a fire truck pump can be connected to thesprinkler system. Increasingly, stortz-type connectors are used tofacilitate the connection. Stortz-type connectors provide a particularlyadvantageous manner of rapidly connecting and disconnecting hoses to astand pipe, for instance. The stortz-type connector generally features apair of arcuate slots with enlarged insertion openings. The slots areformed on a circular flange. The enlarged insertion openings receivemounting pins or feet from a mating fitting. The pins are inserted intothe slots and rotated about a quarter-turn relative to the stationaryfitting to couple the two components together.

The National Fire Protection Association Code also specifies that suchhose connections shall be equipped with caps, plugs or cover plates.Because the hose connections are in public locations, which can beunsecured, the cover plates desirably reduce the likelihood of tamperingby passersby, vandals or arsonists. Thus, the cover plates cover theauxiliary water inlet to prevent the inadvertent or maliciousintroduction of trash or other debris that might clog the sprinklersystem during operation of the sprinkler system in an emergency.

Several types of caps, plugs and cover plates have heretofore beenprovided to cover the connection. These caps, plugs or plates areprovided to protect the integrity or operability of the sprinklersystem. One such arrangement includes a plate with inwardly extendingpins. The cover plate mates with the stortz fitting and the cover plateis secured by sliding the pins through the slots and rotating the coverplate. The cover plate must be capable of quick removal in case of anemergency. Thus, the cover plate generally is not locked to the fittingand has not been suitably secured against unauthorized removal. As aresult, the plate is susceptible to unauthorized removal, theft andvandalism.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a locking cover plate is desired for a stand pipe having astortz fitting. The plate should be capable of easy-removal byauthorized personnel while being difficult to remove if unauthorized.Additionally, the plate preferably provides visual confirmation ofwhether or not the lock has been engaged. Furthermore, the platepreferably is substantially weather-impervious and capable of removalunder extreme climatic and environmental conditions by emergencypersonnel that are under high anxiety and time pressure.

One feature of the present invention takes advantage of characteristicsof a bolt featuring a specially designed bolt head. The bolt is commonlyused in applications that involve securing two components together andreducing the likelihood of removal. In addition, the bolt is difficultto damage due to its construction. In use, the bolt is tightened with aspecial driver that mates with the bolt head. The driver preferably isnot readily available on the market. The pattern on the bolt head makesdifficult generating high degrees of torque on the bolt. Accordingly,generating sufficient torque to remove the bolt generally requires thespecial driver. This feature is combined with an interference memberlock device (i.e., a bayonet-type of lock). Typical bayonet-type locksfeature a keyed entry such that a typical lock cylinder and keyarrangement is used to open and close the lock. The cylinder and keyarrangement is susceptible to vandalism or damage. Due to the particularenvironments and industries in which the present invention generallywill be used, a combination of these two components was developed. Thecombination results in an interfering lock that is selectively deployedthrough turning the bolt. The bolt, however, can be tightened togenerate a locking friction force that is difficult to overcome withoutthe corresponding driver and the bolt is difficult to damage or destroy.

Thus, one aspect of the present invention involves a locking cover platefor an open pipe end having a stortz-type fitting. The cover platecomprises a housing having a front surface and a generally cylindricalside surface. An actuator assembly is substantially contained within thehousing. The actuator assembly comprises a drive bolt extending rearwardfrom the front of the housing. A cam plate is connected to the drivebolt and a torque limiting assembly selectively couples the cam plate tothe drive bolt. The cam plate is capable of rotating relative to thedrive bolt when coupled by the torque limiting assembly to the drivebolt and the cam plate is capable of translating relative to the boltwhen not coupled by the torque limiting assembly to the drive bolt. Alatch bar is connected to the cam plate and is disposed for translationgenerally normal to an axis that extends through the drive bolt. Anindicator assembly is connected to the latch bar.

Another aspect of the present invention involves a protective coverplate for a stortz connection of a piping system. The cover platecomprises a front plate and a stortz fitting extending rearward from thefront plate. A sliding plate locking mechanism is disposed rearward ofthe front plate and is adapted to engage a concealed portion of thepiping system when the cover plate is assembled to the piping system.

A further aspect of the present invention involves method of installinga cover plate to a piping system having a stortz fitting. The methodcomprises inserting the cover plate into the stortz fitting, rotatingthe cover plate to secure the cover plate to the stortz fitting, turninga cam plate, translating a latch bar, indicating a movement of the latchbar, and loading an actuator assembly with a tamper-resistant torsionload.

Another aspect of the present invention involves a method of removing acover plate from a piping system having a stortz fitting. The methodcomprises unloading a tamper-resistant torsion load, rotating a camplate, translating a latch bar, indicating movement of the latch bar andremoving the cover plate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will now be described with reference to the drawings of apreferred embodiment, which embodiment is intended to illustrate and notto limit the invention, and in which figures:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective illustration of an exemplary standpipeconnection having a locking plate configured according to certainaspects of the present invention and illustrating a locking plateremoved from the stortz fitting;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a locking plate arranged andconfigured in accordance with certain features, aspects and advantagesof the present invention;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are rear elevation views of a latch mechanism for thelocking plate, with FIG. 3A showing the latch mechanism in anundeployed-state and FIG. 3B showing the latch mechanism in adeployed-state;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are rear perspective views of a torque limiting assemblyof the locking plate, with FIG. 4A showing the latch mechanism in anundeployed-state and FIG. 4B showing the latch mechanism in adeployed-state;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are front perspective views of the latch mechanism andtorque limiting assembly with a cam driver and associated pins andsprings shown exploded from the balance of the assembly, with FIG. 5Ashowing the latch mechanism in an undeployed-state and FIG. 5B showingthe latch mechanism in a deployed-state;

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the locking plate;

FIG. 7 is a sectioned side view of the locking plate;

FIG. 8A is an exemplary flow chart summarizing a preferred securingprocess; and

FIG. 8B is an exemplary flow chart summarizing a preferred removalprocess.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

With reference now to FIG. 1, a pair of locking plates 20 that arearranged and configured in accordance with certain features, aspects andadvantages of the present invention are illustrated connected to astandpipe arrangement having a pair of stortz-type fittings 22. Whilethe present invention will be described in the context of a sprinklersystem for a fire protection system, it should be recognized thatcertain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention alsocan be used in other industries. For instance, the locking plate 20 canalso be used with plumbing connectors in the petrochemical industry, thepharmaceutical industry, the chemical industry, the food industry andthe dairy industry, for instance.

The present locking plate 20 is particularly designed to reduceunauthorized access to open ended pipes. In particular, the presentlocking plate 20 has been designed to reduce unauthorized access tostandpipes for sprinkler systems. Generally, the present locking plate20 has particular utility in applications that feature a separatewater-stopping valve or mechanism although the present locking plate 20could be readily adapted to form a liquid-tight seal.

With reference to now FIG. 2, several of the components of the lockingplate 20 will be described in detail. In general, the locking plate 20comprises a latching mechanism 24 and a housing 26. The housing 26advantageously forms a protective mounting platform for the latchingmechanism 24. In the illustrated arrangement, the housing 26 iscomprised of a stortz-type adapter ring 30, a plug 32, a back plate 34and a camlock cover 36. Together, these components form a protectiveenclosure that contains the latching mechanism 24 of the illustratedarrangement. Preferably, the adapter ring 30 and the front of the plug32 are the sole components of the housing that are disposed outside ofthe pipe when the locking plate 20 is secured in position on the pipe.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the adapter ring 30 comprises a pairof opposing flanges 38. The flanges 38 define a pair of outwardlydisposed catch hooks. As is known, the flanges 38 are sized forinsertion into entrance slots formed in a stortz fitting. The flanges 38also are sized to slide within a pair of circumferential grooves thatare formed in the stortz fitting and that extend from the entranceslots. The adapter ring 30 can be made from aluminum, brass or any othersuitable material. Preferably, the adapter ring 30 is made from aweather-resistant material that will not easily degrade.

The adapter ring 30 can comprise a wall 40 that defines a generallycentral aperture. The illustrated wall 40 is inset from an outerdiameter of the adapter ring 30 and preferably extends only a portion ofthe thickness of the adapter ring 30. In the illustrated arrangement,the wall 40 has a thickness that defines a mounting face 42. Themounting face 42 preferably includes a number of internally-threadedblind holes 44. In the illustrated arrangement, the blind holes 44receive corresponding threaded fasteners 46 to secure the plug 32 to theadapter ring 30. Of course, the plug 32 can be mounted to the adapterring 30 in any suitable manner. For example, but without limitation, thetwo components can be secured together with clips, pins, threads,brazing and the like.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the plug 32 preferably ismanufactured from aluminum or brass and preferably contains a number ofstructures that are cut or otherwise formed. In the presently preferredarrangement, the plug 32 is anodized aluminum. As illustrated, the plug32 also can contain a number of through holes 48 that receive thethreaded fasteners 46. The holes 48 desirably are positioned inalignment with the blind holes 44 formed in the adapter ring 30.

The illustrated plug 32 also contains an indicator recess 50, anactuator recess 52 and a latch bar channel 54. The indicator recess 50preferably is sized and configured to allow relatively free movement ofan indicator drum 56, which will be described below. Additionally, apair of indicator windows 57 preferably extend through the wall of theindicator recess 50 such that at least a portion of the indicator drum56 can be viewed from the front of the plug 32 (see FIG. 1).

The actuator recess 52 and the latch bar channel 54 are sized andconfigured to allow generally free movement of the respectivecomponents, which will be described below. The actuator recess comprisesa through hole 59 that accommodates a portion of the latching mechanism24, which also will be described below.

The illustrated plug 32 also contains a number of otherinternally-threaded blind holes 58 that are spaced around the actuatorrecess 52 and a pair of blind holes 60 that are formed in the channel54. The threaded holes 58 in the illustrated arrangement receive a setof corresponding threaded fasteners 62 to attach the camlock cover 36 tothe plug 32. Of course, the camlock cover 36 can be secured to the plug32 in other manners; however, using the threaded fasteners 62facilitates maintenance, if necessary, while also reducing thelikelihood of tampering due to the amount of effort required to removeand replace the cover 36. The camlock cover 36 preferably ismanufactured from aluminum and includes a small step to allow thecamlock cover 36 to properly seat on the back plate 34.

The blind holes 60 that are formed in the plug 32 receive a set ofcorresponding pins 64. The pins 64 in the illustrated arrangement arepositioned along a centerline of the channel 54. While other locationswithin the channel 54 are possible, it will be understood that both ofthe pins 64 should be spaced substantially the same distance from asingle wall of the channel 54.

As described above, the housing 26 also comprises the back plate 34. Theillustrated back plate 34 is manufactured from aluminum and contains ahole 66. The hole 66 accommodates some of the latching mechanismcomponents and allows the size of the plug 32 to be decreased. Moreparticularly, the back plate 34 works in cooperation with the camlockcover 36 to form a closing arrangement that allows the depth of the plug32 to be decreased while still enclosing the moving components of theplate 20. The back plate 34 in the illustrated arrangement is securedwith the threaded fasteners 46, which preferably extend through acorresponding set of holes 68. In the illustrated arrangement, the holes68 are countersunk; however, in some arrangements, the holes will not becountersunk and can be flush or counterbored. In addition, as describedabove, other suitable methods can be used to secure the back plate 34 inposition relative to the plug 32.

The latching mechanism 24 comprises an actuator assembly and a torqueinterlock assembly. The actuator assembly and the torque interlockassembly cooperate to lock and unlock the illustrated locking plate 20and the standpipe 22. The actuator assembly generally comprises a drivebolt 70, a latch bar 72 and a cam plate 74. The drive bolt 70 can be anysuitable type and configuration. In the illustrated arrangement, thedrive bolt 70 comprises a bolt having a specially patterned head 76 (seeFIGS. 5A and 5B). The specially patterned head 76 features a grooveconfiguration that matches a mating driver socket formed on acooperating key. This configuration is described and illustrated inco-pending application Ser. Nos. 29/110,116, filed Aug. 31, 1999 and09/247,665, filed Feb. 9, 1999, which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety. In addition, a presently preferred keyassembly is fully disclosed in those applications.

The drive bolt 70 extends through the hole 59 in the plug 32 at alocation generally below the latch bar 72. It should be noted thatrelative directions such as above and below are for ease of referenceand form no limitation on the scope of the present invention unlessparticularly noted. The drive bolt 70 also extends through a biasingmember 77, the cam plate 74 and at least a portion of a cam driver 78.The biasing member 77 preferably is a star washer or a Bellevillewasher. Preferably, the biasing member 77 can increase the frictionalresistance to turning such that approximately 10-30 foot pounds oftorque is required to turn the drive bolt 70 once tightened. In somearrangements, the biasing member 77 increases the resistance to turningsuch that approximately 15 foot pounds of torque is required to loosenthe drive bolt 70 once tightened. The cam plate 74 and the cam driver 78preferably are manufactured from hard brass. In addition, the latch bar72 preferably is manufactured from hard brass. These material selectionsdecrease the likelihood of galling of the components. Of course, otherlubricious material selections also can be made; however, the selectedmaterials result in improved wear properties.

The cam driver 78 preferably is pinned in position on the drive bolt 70with a pin 80. In the illustrated arrangement, the cam driver 78 and thecam plate 74 form an interconnecting portion of both the actuatorassembly and the torque interlock. The illustrated cam driver 78 has astepped configuration with the pin 80 extending through a radial hole82. The cam driver 78, thus, is joined to the drive bolt 70 for rotationand the cam driver 78 does not rotate a substantial amount relative tothe drive bolt 70. In some arrangements, a jam nut or a pair of jam nutscan be used to secure the cam driver 78 in position on the drive bolt70. Of course, other suitable connections also can be used. Forinstance, but without limitation, the cam driver 78 can be welded,brazed, cross-threaded or otherwise connected to the drive bolt 70.

With reference now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the illustrated cam driver 78preferably comprises a number of holes 84 disposed in an axial face(i.e., the holes 84 have centerlines that are generally parallel to theaxis of rotation of the drive bolt 70. The holes are positioned relativeto a number of corresponding holes 86 formed in the cam plate 74. Whilethe same number of holes is placed in both components, the two sets ofholes can have differing numbers so long as the holes can match atparticular intervals (i.e., 3 holes and 6 holes with the 3 holes matingwith 3 holes of the 6 holes).

The holes 84 preferably accommodate a biasing member 88 (i.e., acompression spring) and a locking pin 90. The biasing member 88 urgesthe locking pin 90 toward the cam plate 74 such that the locking pin 90slides over the facing surface of the cam plate 74 or into thecorresponding holes 86 depending upon the relative locations of thecomponents. For this reason, the locking pin 90 preferably has a ridesurface 92 that is rounded or conical in shape. Additionally, the holes86 formed in the cam plate 74 preferably are conical or rounded to allowthe locking pin 90 to slip into and out of the holes 86. In theillustrated arrangement, the holes are conical and do not comprise acylindrical portion.

The use of the biased pins 90 creates a torsion interlock. The torsioninterlock forms a slip connection such that exceeding a preset torquecauses the cam plate 74 and the cam driver 78 to disengage. In addition,as will be explained, if the pins 90 are not sufficiently biased intothe cam plate 74, the cam driver 78 and the cam plate 74 do not engagewith enough axial force to transmit radial forces. Thus, the relativespacing between the cam driver 78 and the cam plate 74 interplays withthe amount of torque that can be transferred between the two components.

The cam plate 74 generally comprises a water drop profile in theillustrated arrangement. The holes 86 are spaced about the centerline ofthe central hole through which the drive bolt 70 extends. In theillustrated arrangement, the drive bolt 70 and the cam plate 74 arethreadedly connected such that rotation of the drive bolt 70 can resultin axial movement of the cam plate 74. The tapered portion of the camplate preferably comprises another through hole 94, which has a centralaxis that is offset from the centerline of the central hole. Theoff-center hole 94 receives a drive pin 96. The drive pin 96 extendsinto a generally vertical slot 98 formed in the latch bar 72. Thisarrangement allows the drive pin 96 to reciprocate the latch bar 72 in atransverse direction. Of course, the rotational movement of the camplate 74 about the drive bolt 72 will tend to cause movement of the pin96 relative to the latch bar 72 in two axes. Thus, the slot 98 allowsfor lost motion in one axis while the drive pin 96 urges the latch bar72 along the other axis. The pins 64, which are positioned within a setof generally horizontal slots 100 that are formed in the latch bar 72,generally define the axis along which the latch bar 72 translates. Ofcourse, as used herein, vertical and horizontal are for referencepurposes only and these directional identifiers should not be construedas limiting on the present invention.

With reference again to FIG. 2, the locking plate 20 preferablycomprises an indicator assembly 110. The indicator assembly desirablycooperates with the windows 57 to indicate whether the latch bar 72 isin an unlocked position or a locked position. In the illustratedarrangement, the latch bar 72 includes a pair of pins 112 that extendfrom a side surface of the latch bar 72. The pins 112 define a lateralrange of motion for the indicator assembly 110.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the indicator assembly 110 furthercomprises the indicator drum 56. In the illustrated arrangement, theindicator drum 56 is manufactured from black delrin. The indicator drum56 preferably comprises a central pin 114 that is disposed along theaxis of rotation for the indicator drum 56. In addition, an indicatorpin 116 preferably is embedded within the drum 56. The indicator pin 116advantageously aligns with one of the windows 57 depending upon therotational orientation of the drum 56. Moreover, the indicator pin inthe illustrated arrangement is manufactured from white nylon, whichadvantages contrasts with the black delrin indicator drum 56.

The drum 56 also features a drive pin 118. The drive pin 118 ispositioned off of the center axis and between the pins 112 of the latchbar 72. Movement of the latch bar 72 urges one of the pins 112 againstthe drive pin 118. The drive pin 118 drives the drum 56 about itscentral axis and converts the axial movement of the latch bar 72 intorotational movement of the indicator drum 56.

The illustrated arrangement also features an axle 120 that extendsthrough a portion of the back plate 34. In such an arrangement, abiasing member 122, such as a compression spring, for instance, is usedto bias the drum 56 into an appropriate axial location. The biasingmember 122 also creates a small degree of friction between the drum 56and the plug 32 such that the drum 56 does not freely turn relative tothe plug 32. Moreover, by forwardly biasing the drum 56 toward thewindow 57, the ingress of dirt, dust, sand and other debris can besignificantly reduced. Such an arrangement advantageously improves thelife span of the locking plate 20.

With reference now to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A and 5B, the locked and unlockedpositioning of the components of the present locking plate 20 areillustrated. With reference also to FIGS. 8A and 8B, routines that canbe used to locking the locking plate and to unlock the locking platewill be described.

With reference to FIG. 8A, before operation of the actuator assembly,the locking plate 20 is inserted into the open end of a pipe having astortz-type fitting (S-1). To do so, the flanges 38 are inserted intothe corresponding openings in the fitting. Once inserted, theillustrated locking plate 20 is rotated clockwise until the flanges 38seat against a set of stops formed in the fitting. In this position, thelocking plate 20 is properly placed for locking.

To lock the plate in position, the drive bolt 70 is turned in aclockwise rotation. The clockwise rotation causes the cam driver 78 torotate in a clockwise direction as well. Simultaneously, the cam plate74 rotates about the axis of the drive bolt 70 in a clockwise direction(S-2). The rotation of the cam plate 74 drives the latch bar 72 throughthe contact of the pin 96 with a wall of the slot 98 (S-3). The movementof the latch bar 72 causes one of the pins 112 to contact the pin 118.As the pin 118 is moved with the latch bar 72, the drum 56 rotates. Withthe latch bar 72 in the locking position, the pin 118 has driven thedrum 56 sufficiently to plate the indicator pin 116 within theappropriate indicator window 57 (S-4).

Continued rotation of the drive bolt 70 axially translates the cam plate74 along the drive bolt 70 toward the plug 32 (S-5). Movement of the camplate 74 compresses the biasing member 77. Compressing the biasingmember 77 increases the friction loading on the drive bolt 70.Accordingly, by compressing the biasing member 77, more torque isrequired to unlock the locking plate 20 from the stand pipe 22.Preferably, the loading is sufficient to reduce the likelihood ofunauthorized removal. During the locking process, the relationshipbetween the cam driver 78 and the cam plate 70 provides from some lostmotion due to the spring loading of the pins 90. In the illustratedarrangement, the indicator pin 116 indicates that the plate 20 is lockedin position before the actuator assembly is loaded with the frictionload.

To unlock the locking plate 20, the drive bolt 70 is turned in acounterclockwise direction. Turning the illustrated drive bolt 70 firstunloads the biasing member 77 by moving the cam plate 74 away from theplug 32 and towards the cam driver 78 (P-1). The spring-loaded pins 90engage with the holes 86 and the rotation of the drive bolt 70 istransferred to the cam plate 74 through the cam driver 78. The cam plate74 rotates about the drive bolt 70 (P-2). Thus, the pin 96 drives thelatch bar 72 by contacting a side of the slot 98 (P-3). As the latch bar72 moves, the other of the pins 112 contacts the other side of the pin118. As the latch bar 72 continues to move, the pin 118 drives the drum56 about its central axis and the indicator pin 116 is moved from onewindow 57 to another window 57. The movement provides a visualconfirmation that the latch bar has been retracted (P-4). It iscontemplated that, in some arrangements, the presence or absence of theindicator pin 116 in the window 57 can provide some visual indication oflatch bar movement. Preferably, the indicator indicates that the lockingplate 20 is unlocked only after the latch bar 72 is fully retracted. Thelocking plate 20 then can be removed (P-5).

As a redundant back-up feature, in the event that the spring loaded pins90 fail to engage with the holes 86, continued rotation of the drivebolt 70 translates the cam plate 74 into the cam driver 78. The camplate 74, thus, jams against the cam driver 78, which would cause thecam plate 74 to turn with the cam driver 78 with all of the rotationaltorque of the drive bolt 70. Accordingly, the latch bar 72 would bedriven with all of the rotational torque of the drive bolt 70. Thisprovides a fail-safe mode of operation in the event of a catastrophicfailure of the actuator assembly or the torque interlock assembly

Although the present invention has been described in terms of a certainembodiment, other embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in theart also are within the scope of this invention. Thus, various changesand modifications may be made without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention. For instance, various components may berepositioned as desired. Moreover, not all of the features, aspects andadvantages are necessarily required to practice the present invention.Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to bedefined only by the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A protective cover plate for a stortz connectionof a piping system, said cover plate comprising a front plate, a stortzfitting extending rearward from said front plate, and a sliding platelocking mechanism being disposed rearward of said front plate and beingadapted to engage a concealed portion of said piping system when saidcover plate is assembled to said piping system, the sliding platelocking mechanism comprising a sliding plate, said sliding plate movingin a first direction when driven by rotation of an input member in afirst direction and said sliding plate moving in a second direction whendriven by rotation of the input member in a second direction, whereinthe sliding plate locking mechanism is configured to allow lost motionbetween rotation of the input member and movement of the sliding plate.2. A method of installing a cover plate to a piping system having astortz fitting, said method comprising inserting said cover plate intosaid stortz fitting, rotating said cover plate to secure said coverplate to said stortz fitting, turning a cam plate, translating a latchbar, indicating a movement of said latch bar, and loading an actuatorassembly with a tamper-resistant torsion load after the latch bar istranslated.
 3. A method of removing a cover plate from a piping systemhaving a stortz fitting, said method comprising unloading atamper-resistant torsion load, rotating a cam plate after removing atleast a portion of the tamper-resistant torsion load, translating alatch bar, indicating movement of said latch bar and removing said coverplate.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein said indicating movementoperation is completed with completion of said translating said latchbar operation.
 5. The method of claim 3, wherein said removing saidcover plate comprises rotating said cover plate relative to said pipingsystem and axially translating said cover plate relative to said pipingsystem.
 6. A locking cover plate for a fire department connection havinga stortz-type fitting, the locking cover plate comprising a housing anda plug positioned within said housing, a latching mechanism beingadapted to contact the fire department connection having a stortz-typefitting, the latching mechanism comprising a latch bar, the latch barmoving in a first direction when driven by rotation of an input memberin a first direction and the latch bar moving in a second direction whendriven by rotation of the input member in a second direction, saidhousing comprising an adapter ring, a back plate and a camlock cover, aprotective enclosure being defined by said plug, said adapter ring, saidback plate and said camlock cover, and a majority of said latchingmechanism being positioned within said protective enclosure, saidadapter ring comprising an inner wall that defines an aperture.
 7. Thelocking cover plate of claim 6, wherein said adapter ring comprises apair of opposing flanges.
 8. The locking cover plate of claim 7, whereinsaid pair of opposing flanges defines a pair of outwardly extendingcatch hooks.
 9. The locking cover plate of claim 7, wherein said adapterring is formed of aluminum or brass.
 10. The locking cover plate ofclaim 6, wherein said aperture of said adapter ring is a centralaperture.
 11. The locking cover plate of claim 6, wherein said innerwall extends only a portion of an overall thickness of the adapter ring.12. The locking cover plate of claim 6, wherein said inner wallterminates at an inner face.
 13. The locking cover plate of claim 12,wherein said plug is positioned generally within said protectiveenclosure and said plug seats against said inner face.
 14. The lockingcover plate of claim 13, wherein said plug comprises a slotted recessand the latch bar is capable of translating within said slotted recessin a generally radial direction.